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local environment agency plan

NORTH CONSULTATION REPORT SUMMARY JUNE 1996 INTRODUCTION

Local Environment Agency Planning aims to create a consistent framework within which all the Agency's functions and responsibilities can be applied in a co-ordinated and sustainable manner within a particular catchment area.

The current state of the environment is systematically analysed and compared with appropriate standards. Where these standards are not being met or are likely to be affected in the future, the shortfalls, together with options for actions to resolve them, are presented as issues in a table at the end of this brochure. WHAT IS LOCAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY PLANNING?

River catchments are subject to increasing use by a wide variety of activities, many of which interact giving rise to some conflicts. The many competing demands on the water, land, and air environments and the interests of users and beneficiaries must be balanced.

Catchment management involves the Agency working with many people and organisations and using its authority to ensure that the natural environment is protected, and where possible improved, for the benefit of present and future users.

The process is open and integrated to optimise the overall future well-being of people and ecosystems through the pro-active management of the environment. It is evolving from the former water based National Rivers Authority Catchment Management Planning process and embraces the wider Agency remits to regulate waste and industrial air pollution.

This Local Environment Agency Letheringsett Mill - a restored water mill on the Plan is one of the Agency's first River Claven 2 opportunities to bring together the policies, objectives and options for for overall environmental improvement. It must be emphasised that this plan is not an end in itself. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive local guide to the present status and vision for the catchment. It is the essential first step in providing the basis for drawing up a plan of action. YOUR VIEWS

Formulation of this plan involves consulting and working with many public bodies and individuals. Your views on the issues identified are welcomed. You may also wish to comment on other matters affecting the land, air, or water environments in the catchment area which you think should be examined by the Agency.

Please write with your comments to the following address, from which a full copy of the Consultation Report may also be obtained:-

Dr Jonathan Wortley, Planning & Customer Services Manager, Environment Agency, Anglian Region - Eastern Area, Cobham Road, IPSWICH, Suffolk IP3 9JE.

Comments in writing, must be received by 1 st October 1996. THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

The Environment Agency is one of the most powerful environmental regulators in the world. It provides a comprehensive approach to the protection and management of the environment by combining the regulation of waste to land, water, and industrial releases to air. Its creation on 1st April 1996 was a major and positive step, merging the expertise of the National Rivers Authority, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution, the Waste Regulation Authorities and several smaller units from the Department of the Environment.

The Agency takes a much wider view of environmental regulation than was possible for its predecessors, though remaining an independent, impartial and firm regulator in their best traditions.

Nationally, the Agency has responsibilities for: • Regulating over 2000 industrial processes with the greatest polluting potential, using the best available techniques not entailing excessive cost to prevent or minimise pollution. • Advising the Environment Secretary on the Government's National Air Strategy, and providing guidance to Local Authorities on their Air Qualitv Manaaement DI^ ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

089879 • Regulating the disposal of radioactive waste at more than 8000 sites, including nuclear sites, the keeping and use of radioactive material and the accumulation of radioactive waste at non-nuclear sites. • Regulating the treatment and disposal of controlled waste, involving 8000 waste management sites and some 70,000 carriers so as to prevent pollution or harm to human health. • Implementing the Government's National Waste Management Strategy for and Wales in its Waste Regulation work. • Preserving and improving the quality of rivers, estuaries and coastal waters through its pollution control powers, including 100,000 water discharge consents and regulation of more than 60,000 sewage works. • Action to conserve and secure proper use of water resources, including 50,000 licensed water abstractions. # • Supervising all flood defence matters, involving over 43,000 kilometres of defence works. • Maintenance and improvement of salmon, trout, freshwater and eel fisheries, including the issue of some 1,000,000 angling licences. • Conserving the water environment, including areas of outstanding natural beauty or environmental sensitivity extending to nearly four million hectares, and promoting their use for recreation where appropriate. • Maintaining and improving non-marine navigation, including licensing of some 40,000 boats. • Regulating the management and remediation of contaminated land designated as special sites. • Providing independent and authoritative views on a wide range of environmental issues which may involve analysis and comment beyond the Agency's specific regulatory remit. • Liaison with international counterparts and governments, particularly within the European Union, to help develop consistent environmental policies and action worldwide. THE CATCHMENT

The North Norfolk Local Environment Agency Plan area comprises a relatively narrow strip along the North Norfolk coast, together with its adjacent waters in the Wash and the North Sea. The freshwater rivers are the Hun, Burn, , Glaven and Mun, together with their tributaries. The Plan lies wholly with the County of Norfolk, and embraces parts of the Local Authority areas of North Norfolk District Council and the Borough of King's Lynn and West Norfolk. 4 CATCHMENT FACTS

GENERAL Land Area 522 Km* Population 24,967 (mid 1993)

WATER Public Water Supply Abstractions RESOURCES There are four licensed Public Water Supply abstractions at: , Houghton St Giles, Glandford, and (the latter two sites being under one licence).

WATER Length (km) of River in General Quality Assessment QUALITY classifications (1992-1994) CLASS A 14 CLASS B 47.5 CLASS C 3.5 CLASS D 0 CLASS E 8.5 CLASS F 0

Length (km) of Estuary in Coastal and Estuarine Working Party Grades CLASS A 10.5 CLASS B 0 CLASS C 0 CLASS D 0

INDUSTRIAL There are three Integrated Pollution Control authorizations for POLLUTION the gas terminals at Bacton. PREVENTION

WASTE One major landfill site at Edgefield (34,000 tonnes per MANAGEMENT annum).

FLOOD Length of Designated Main River: Fluvial 75 km DEFENCE Tidal 18 km

Length of Environment Agency maintained tidal defences 38.5 km

CONSERVATION Numbers of: Sites of Special Scientific Interest 24 National Nature Reserves 3 Ramsar Sites 1 Special Protection Areas 2 Candidate Special Areas of Conservation 3 County Wildlife Sites 87

NAVIGATION The Anglian Region of the Environment Agency has no statutory Navigation responsibility within this plan area. 5 LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT Land use is predominantly agricultural. Approximately 80% of the 43,000 hectares of agricultural land in the plan area is of Grades 1, 2 or 3a, which is considered to be of the best and most versatile quality.

No major growth is envisaged in either housing provision or industry. Tourism plays a major role in the catchment, and servicing this need employs a significant proportion of the local population. WATER QUALITY

The supply of good quality water for public water supply is of major importance. Abstractions of water are undertaken by Anglian Water Services at Wighton, Houghton St Giles, Glandford, Sheringham and Mundesley.

The national chemical General Quality Assessment survey (1994) showed that chemical water quality in the plan area was generally very good. This showed improvements on the 1990 survey with significant upgrades in classes on the upper River Burn, the lower Burn, and the River Glaven between Letheringsett Mill and Glandford Ford.

Coastal surveys have revealed elevated nutrient levels around the North Norfolk coast. In addition, summer algal blooms occur. Coastal water quality models suggest that the coastal water quality is strongly influenced by the Wash and Humber estuaries.

6 INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION PREVENTION The following two sub-sections outline the responsibilities for environmental regulation, incorporated into the Agency from the former duties of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution:

INTEGRATED POLLUTION CONTROL Within the plan area, there are only three Integrated Pollution Control processes authorised by the Agency under part 1 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. These are the gas terminals at Bacton and represent the only significant industrial releases to the environment within the area. The processes release quantities of volatile organic compounds (mainly methane), oxides of nitrogen and oxides of carbon (from combustion) to air. In the case of Phillips Petroleum UK Co Ltd there is also a release of sulphur dioxide and a small quantity of hydrogen sulphide to air (usually only in the winter months). Each process discharges effluent to coastal waters, containing small quantities of glycol and methanol with even smaller quantities of other Organics. Other wastes are disposed of outside of the plan area by specialist contractors.

RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES The only current authorizations are for the accumulation and disposal of naturally occurring radioactive materials that are removed from some natural gases at the Bacton gas terminals. This waste is disposed outside of the plan area in specified depositories. There are only a few registrations within the area. These are for measuring instruments and self illuminating signs which at the end of their useful life are required to be disposed of by returning the source to the manufacturers of such equipment. 7 WASTE MANAGEMENT The Waste Management function of the Agency issues licences permitting the keeping, treating, and disposal of waste, which ensure that these activities neither harm the environment or human health. Prior to the formation of the Environment Agency these responsibilities were undertaken by Norfolk County Council as the Waste Regulation Authority.

There is one major landfill site within the plan area receiving industrial, commercial and household waste. The site at Edgefield receives 34,000 tonnes per annum of these types of waste from Sheringham, and Holt, as well as more rural areas. The site began operation in 1988 and has been closely monitored ever since. There is a network of seventeen groundwater monitoring boreholes both down gradient and up gradient of the site. The boreholes are sampled at quarterly intervals and analysed for a range of parameters agreed between the Agency and the site operator. Present evidence indicates that the site is not impacting on the groundwater. On completion, each phase of the site will be capped with an impermeable material to prevent water ingress and therefore reduce the potential for the site to produce leachate. WATER QUANTITY

The Agency has to balance the varied and competing needs for water resources. These include human needs, such as potable water supply, industry and agriculture, as well as those of the water environment for rivers, springs and wetlands.

This balance is reached by firstly determining the volume of water which recharges each catchment area and then setting aside a volume of this balance for environmental needs. The remaining quantity, in theory, is available for abstraction although applications are subject to further strict environmental checks into the likely local effect.. The Agency has the responsibility of managing water resources in a sustainable and effective manner, (ensuring that long term abstractions do not exceed long term replenishment), to achieve the right balance between the needs of the environment and those of the abstractors.

Where catchments are fully committed, an abstraction licence application cannot be considered. Groundwater resources within the River Burn, North Creake Rivers Stiffkey, Claven and Mun sub-catchments are fully committed. The groundwater resources in the sub-catchments of the Rivers Hun and Burn in contrast, still have nominal water available for licensing, subject to the licence application passing strict environmental criteria. There is no summer surface water available. Some additional surface water may be available during winter periods * when river flows are naturally higher. Abstractors are encouraged to store this in reservoirs for summer use.

W E ILV Nf XT THE P SHERINGHAM *

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• FAkENrtAM FLOOD PROTECTION

Throughout history, the danger of inundation by North Sea surge tides has been an ever-present threat to the people living in low lying areas along the coast in North Norfolk. Not only tidal and freshwater flooding events, but erosion and landslides have threatened their homes, livelihood and sometimes, their lives.

Major surges in 1953, 1978, and more recently in'1993 and 1996, have demonstrated the continuing need to provide and sustain a framework of sea defences to protect people and property, in areas at risk of tidal inundation.

The Agency is responsible for 38.5 kilometres of sea defences between Old Hunstanton and . These range from soft defences such as sand dunes, to hard engineering defences at Wells Quay. The defences are not continuous, and only protect low lying land subject to tidal flooding.

The narrow strip of land along the North Norfolk Coast, together with river valleys running inland and parts of the coastal villages are below high tide levels. These areas are protected against flooding by a combination of man-made earth embankments, natural sand dunes and shingle banks.

Historically, development within the flood plain has caused a risk of fluvial flooding to some properties. The flood plain is an essential part of the flood protection regime, and development and infilling can reduce its flood storage capacity. People and property remain vulnerable in some areas of urban development at Little , Stiffkey, North and South Creake, Burnham Thorpe, , and Mundesley. 10 Flooding of coastal road at CONSERVATION The value of this North Norfolk area for nature conservation lies in the intricate mosaic of wildlife habitats, from coastal grazing marsh, to reedbeds, heathland and woodland. Many of these habitats support rare and threatened plants and animals, some of national and international importance. The majority of the coast has been put forward as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in recognition of the international importance of this area. The land below high water mark lies within the Wash and North Norfolk Coast candidate SACs. The majority of the land

11 above high water mark and within the North Norfolk Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) lies within the North Norfolk Coast and Gibraltar Point Dunes candidate SACs.

There are a number of small rivers in this catchment all of which flow from the higher ground in the south, where the channels are small and possess a number of valuable physical features such as riffles, pools and earth cliffs. In the lower reaches, the rivers cross the flat coastal margin and channel features are largely absent but marginal vegetation becomes locally abundant. Adjacent alder carr and willow woodlands, marshes and reed swamp are particular features of this catchment. Whilst only relatively small areas of the river catchments are of national importance in terms of their ecology (i.e. SSSIs), there are many County Wildlife Sites (CWS). FISHERIES

The catchment has a diverse range of fisheries with varying fish communities and species. Sections of the Rivers Stiff key, Claven and Burn have established brown trout populations which are supplemented by stocked fish. The fisheries of the Stiff key and Glaven are dominated by eel with significant numbers of brown trout and bullhead found in the Glaven. Nine to ten species are regularly recorded in these rivers during routine surveys. Both rivers have good populations of brook lamprey, a species listed in the Habitats Directive. In comparison, the Burn and the Hun have relatively poor species diversity.

Habitat improvements for fisheries on the River Stiffkey at Stiffkey 12 Lakes and ponds supporting fish stocks occur throughout the area. Little precise data exists on these stocks, although it is clear that they represent an important resource. North Norfolk supports several commercially important shellfisheries. Well known is the edible crab, and a thriving lobster industry is centred around Cromer. Bivalve molluscs (mussels, cockles, and oysters) are also commercially harvested. RECREATION

The recreational and amenity potential of the Norfolk coast has long been recognised and tourism is a major and growing industry. The influx of visitors, particularly in the summer season, dramatically increases the population of coastal towns and villages. Most visitors take part in quiet recreational activities such as walking, angling, horse riding, birdwatching, swimming, and beach recreation, but many also enjoy more active pursuits such as water sports and cycling.

The Norfolk coast has a national value and reputation for birdwatching, focusing on its well known Nature Reserves at Titchwell Marsh, Blakeney Point, Cley, and Scolt Head Island.

Freshwater angling takes place on the rivers and inland stillwaters within the catchment. There are a number of angling clubs whose members fish on waters in the area.

The coast provides excellent locations for sailing, windsurfing and powered water sports. Access points for water recreation are limited and are generally confined to coastal population centres. ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS Issue No 1: In river needs are not quantified

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Await outcome of Environment Better understanding Local issues could National & Regional Agency of in-river needs be "masked" by R&D Studies on National approach defining Nationalised methodologies to set standardised RFO's approach identified for setting RFOs

Improved resource management 2. Carry out ecological Environment Enables better Skilled resource and in-river needs Agency understanding and and timescale studies to develop hence protection of RFO's in particular river ecology Reduction in rivers, following current RMF may production of the Improved resource impact on water Anglian Region management quality Methodology Refinement of Increase in current water resources RMF would impact availability on abstractors assessments

Biological targets may be improved

Water quality conditions on discharge consents improved

Regional consistency 3. Continue with present Environment Cost saving Inability to assess policy Agency adequately water Consistency with resource availability past policies Need to rely on existing RMF which may be inappropriate

Actual flows in some stretches may be inadequate 14 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS Issue No 2: River flows in some North Norfolk Rivers are perceived to be unacceptably affected by licensed abstractions

River flows during summer and drought periods in the Burn, Glaven and Mun are perceived by some to have been significantly reduced in quantity since the 1970's.

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Set river flow Environment Improved resource Cost of objectives (RFOs) Agency management investigations defining the actual river requirements Provides better Timescale - understanding of conflict in study in-river needs priorities

Confirm/identify No progress can stretches of river be made until concerned review complete

Much data collection required

Any reduction in present mrf's would have serious implications on discharge consents and the water environment 2. Carry out Environment Accurately quantify Competing hydrogeological Agency the effects of priorities - investigation (possible abstractions on river Cost may outweigh model, or use of Scot flows environmental Kirk Patric benefits Methodology) to May provide (Money may more improve the predictive tool to usefully be spent understanding of aid WR management elsewhere) aquifer/surface water interaction and effect Refine water May still require of abstractions on resource balances RFO's to be river flows (using RFOs) established

Continued overleaf

15 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS Issue No 2 continued

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 3. Continue present Environment Maintain consistency Public concern policy. Agency in Region, fair to all. likely to continue. Licences issued The Agency will where no continue to put environmental large amounts of detriment proven time into discussions 4. Refuse all future Environment Maintain the status Applicant can licence applications Agency quo until further appeal to DoE. until RFOs have been studies carried out The Agency must quantified (Issue No 1 be able to justify and option 1 of Issue its decisions on No 2) appeal, based on "current understanding" 5. Limit abstractions Environment Reduce impact on Summer period is during summer Agency envirenment during when water is periods low flow periods needed

Cost: Agency would have to compensate abstractors for reduced entitlement

May be ineffective

Any control would have to be initiated very early due to delayed response of aquifers to groundwater

16 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS Issue No 2 continued

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 6. Provide river support Environment Flows maintained Water abstracted Agency/ during 'stress' may be at expense Abstractors periods of river flows during other periods in the year

May need several bores along river if water is lost through the bed

Cost 7. Line a section of river Environment Aesthetics of the Un-natural in affected stretches Agency river flowing may be improved Cost

Limited water lost Aesthetics of lining from river material may be unacceptable 8. Revoke some or all Environment May solve problem May not resolve licensed abstractions Agency of low flows if low flow problems affected by abstraction Cost in compensating licence holders Affect existing businesses/ livelihoods

17 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS Issue No 3: A number of river stretches in this catchment fail to achieve their existing River Ecosystem target class

OPTIONSRESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Review location of Environment Obtain more Loss of long term sample point to assess Agency appropriate data to data trends. stretch compliance assess compliance 2. Review Environment More appropriate to Changing targets appropriateness of Agency local conditions causes confusion long term target to customers assigned to stretch 3. Assess the impact of Environment Ensure appropriate Unable to change effluents on Agency short and long term consent conditions downstream water targets within present quality planning horizon

18 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS Issue No 4: Catchment areas for wetland sites of conservation value need to be identified

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Environmental studies Environment Better hydrological Timescale and cost at sites of particular Agency/ understanding of concern WCO's/ wetland behaviour Possible lack of Conservation National Bodies Provides effective consistency in protection to approach wetlands Possible Improved implications for management existing abstractors opportunities Threat/location unknown 2. Use BGS Environment Consistent approach Methods unproven methodologies for Agency and not agreed by defining potential risk Cheaper than site ecologists and to wetlands specific studies hydrogeologists

Varying ecology and hydrogeology may make experience related decisions, based on observing other wetland sites inappropriate 3. Abstract and monitor Environment Observed changes Effects may be too Agency/ are more convincing small to observe Developer Useful where impact May potentially is not certain damage ecology in short term

Worst case (drought) may not be experienced during temporary period. Therefore worst case scenario not observed, (but could be deduced)

Continued overleaf 19 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS Issue No 4 continued

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 4. Make assessment Environment Simple and quick Not always accurate using methods based Agency/ on practical experience Developer Rough guide

Not environmentally acceptable

Impact should be proven scientifically 5. Expand hydrological Environment Obtain background Timescale and ecological Agency/ data at larger monitoring of Conservation number of sites Cost wetlands Bodies Cain a better Lack of data understanding of accuracy sites hydrogeology and ecology 6. Continue present Environment Financial and time Risk that temporary policy of taking Agency/ resource input only licence granted precautionary Developer when necessary without fully approach in licensing, understanding using theoretical Err on side of hydrogeology of techniques, empirical caution wetland assessments and field monitoring to evaluate Any effect will be Environmental and risk in association with temporary and if hydrological time limited licences detrimental, licence changes may not will not be re-issued be observed in without agreed temporary licence mitigation or period remediation

20 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS Issue No 5: There is a lack of habitat diversity both within the rivers and their floodplains

OPTIONS responsibility ! a d v a n t a g e s DISADVANTAGES 1. Identify and Environment Fulfils duties under Cost (for some implement river/ Agency legislation to further schemes) floodplain restoration conservation projects and habitat enhancements 2. Identify specific Environment Fulfils duties under Cost (for some enhancements to Agency legislation to schemes) improve fish habitat maintain, improve and spawning sites and develop fisheries 3. Identify the need to Environment Fulfils duties under Cost provide fish passes for Agency legislation access through mills, weirs, tide flaps and other control structures

Issue No 6: Identify where the Environment Agency should assist in the implementation of agreed local and national Biodiversity Action Plan targets for relevant water dependent habitats and species

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Identify and agree Environment Compliance with Failure to comply targets and action Agency/ Environment Agency with the UKs plans with local EN/ conservation duties commitment to the biodiversity group LAs/ "Convention on Conservation Biological Diversity" Organisations 2. Identify necessary Environment Compliance with Failure to comply Environment Agency Agency Environment Agency with the UKs activities or procedures conservation duties commitment to the to implement targets "Convention on Biological Diversity"

21 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS Issue No 7: Ensure that Environment Agency activities comply with new and existing EU Directives concerning nature conservation

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGES 1. Where appropriate Environment Compliance with Failure to comply ensure sustainable Agency Environment Agency with Environment protection of habitats legislation Agency legal duties through Shoreline Management Plans and future sea defence activities 2. Investigate, with Environment Compliance with Failure to comply partners, the Agency Environment Agency with Environment development of legislation Agency legal duties compensatory habitat where habitats may be lost due to the implementation of the SMP's preferred options and subsequent sea defence works 3. Develop a programme Environment Adherence to Staff resources to review all discharge Agency international law implication and consents and cost of any abstraction licences subsequent actions that may potentially impact on the North Norfolk SAC and Norfolk Valley Fens SAC (subject to guidance from National Head Office and DoE) 4. Where required, and Environment Mitigate any harmful Staff resources in close liaison with Agency activities that may implication and English Nature, impact on SACs cost of any undertake subsequent actions Environmental Assessments to identify the impact of Environment Agency activities on the North Norfolk SAC and Norfolk Valley Fens SAC. 22 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 5. Liaise closely with Environment Compliance with Failure to comply English Nature, and Agency/ relevant legislation with legislation and other consultation EN potential damage bodies, over all Ensures ecological to important sites operations and acceptability of all activities that may Environment Agency influence the SACs actions 6. Do nothing Failure to comply with national and international legislation

Issue No 8: Ensure water levels are managed appropriately on all important wetland sites where the Environment Agency is responsible for the control structures or influences water levels

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Draw up Water Level Environment Complies with MAFF Cost - need for Management Plans Agency where it requirements for additional resources (WLMPs) for wetlands, is the operating WLMPs according to EN authority priorities and MAFF Conservation of procedures important wetlands

Replaces verbal arrangements with formal agreed and written management plan • 2. Do nothing Failure to meet MAFF requirements

Wetlands potentially damaged through inappropriate water level management

23 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS Issue No 9: Investigate, and where possible ameliorate, failures in fishery biomass targets

A number of river stretches in the upper Claven fail to reach their fishery target. These require investigation and the identification of remedial measures. At some sites remedial measures may already be covered in Issue No 5.

OPTIONSRESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Investigate failures in Environment Complies with Potential achieving fisheries Agency legislation deterioration in targets and identify fishery remedial measures 2. Where appropriate Environment Improved fishery Cost implement remedial Agency measures

Issue No 10: There is a need to assess and where appropriate protect the ecological status of headwaters

OPTIONSRESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Assess the level of data Environment Fulfilment of No understanding on headwater and Agency conservation duties of importance of identify priorities for headwaters or the completing species Protection of riverine need/mechanisms level surveys of biodiversity to protect them selected headwaters 2. Identify a strategy for Environment Fulfilment of No understanding the protection of Agency conservation duties of importance of headwaters • headwaters or the Protection of riverine need/mechanisms biodiversity to protect them

24 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS Issue No 11: Monitor the netting of sea trout along the Norfolk coast to identify unlawful activity and ensure the long term sustainability of the East Coast Salmonid Fishery

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Increase bailiff activity Environment Likely to detect Cost and resources Agency unlawful activity

Better opportunities to liaise with licensed netsmen, creating greater awareness of fishery and problems 2. Continue present Environment No increase in costs The level of policy Agency and resources enforcement may be inadequate A level of enforcement is maintained 3. Do nothing Environment No cost or resource Possible increase in Agency implications illegal activity

No liaison with licence holders

Long term damage to stocks

25 HUMAN NEEDS Issue No 12: Concern over bacterial contamination of the waters in Blakeney Harbour

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Carry out additional Environment Defines problem Cost surveys to identify Agency/ sources of pollution NNDC 2. Investigate potential Environment Reduce a potential Cost to AWS and for reductions in Agency/ source of uncertainty of need microbial loading from AWS contamination and benefit until Cley STW discharge survey completed 3. Do nothing No solution to bacterial contamination found

Issue No 13: Improve Environment Agency archaeological database, awareness of archaeological sites throughout the Agency and liaison procedures externally

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Upgrade Environment Fulfils duties under Resources (minimal) archaeological Agency legislation -i information held by Potential damage to the Agency archaeological sites 2. Improve external Environment Better knowledge Resources liaison procedures Agency of resource

Fulfils duties under legislation HUMAN NEEDS Issue No 14: Review public access to sea defences to identify problems, remedial actions and other opportunities

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY 1 ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Retain existing public Environment Meets Environment Repair costs to rights of way on sea Agency/ Agency's recreation defences defences Norfolk Coast objective Project/ Can encourage Local Authorities/ unauthorised use Landowners 2. Enhance public access Environment Improved public Cost where appropriate Agency/ access when planning Norfolk Coast Possible replacement sea Project/ environmental defences Local Authorities/ disturbance Landowner 3. Retain existing rights Environment Reduces damage Cost of way and control Agency/ and disturbance unauthorised access Norfolk Coast Problems with Project/ Improved pedestrian policing and Local Authorities/ environment enforcement Landowner 4. Restrict public access Environment Reduces damage Reduced public to sensitive frontages Agency/ and disturbance access Norfolk Coast Project/ Reduction in public Local Authorities/ rights of way Landowner Poor public image 5. Do nothing Deterioration in flood defences

Reduced recreation environment

27 HUMAN NEEDS Issue No 15: Promote appropriate public access to rivers for walking and water-based recreational opportunities (including angling) in conjunction with other organisations and in-line with agreed recreation/visitor/tourism strategies

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Liaise with landowners Environment Improved Potential impact on and appropriate Agency/ recreational other river uses and bodies to identify Sports Council/ opportunities wildlife desirability of Norfolk Coast developing canoeing Project/ Compliance with on the lower River landowners Environment Agency Glaven (as identified legislation in the Sports Councils Water Recreation Strategy) 2. Review access to river Environment Improved Potential impact on banks to identify Agency/ recreational other river uses and opportunities for North Coast opportunities wildlife enhancement when Project undertaking other Compliance with Cost core function Environment Agency activities (for instance legislation flood defence operations) 3. Investigate the need Environment Improved angling Potential impact on to improve angling Agency/ opportunities other river uses and opportunities on the Angling clubs/ wildlife rivers landowners

28 HUMAN NEEDS Issue No 16: Surface and groundwater monitoring network may require an increased number of observation sites

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITYADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Install surface gauging Environment Provide data on Cost stations on the Burn at Agency flood and low flows, NCR TF862 356 and allowing area models on the Glaven at to be calibrated either TF061 371 or TF064 361 2. a. Carry out studies to Environment Aid the impact Cost in carrying out identify shortfalls in Agency assessment of the study and the groundwater flooding and water installing monitoring network abstractions monitoring boreholes as well as 2. b. Install monitoring Provide data for the long term boreholes where calibration of surface monitoring costs shortfall is identified and groundwater models 3. Do nothing Short term cost May be difficult to saving carry out Agency's routine business Shortfall in data for model calibration

29 FLOOD PROTECTION, DEVELOPMENT CONTROL AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT

Issue No 17: Identification of flood risk areas

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Undertake assessments Environment Provides data for Cost to determine flood risk Agency development control areas purposes and flood Long time before warning purposes full catchment coverage achieved May identify areas requiring improved flood defences. 2. Extend historical flood Environment True record, not an Timescale event records, with Agency empirical assessment unpredictable detailed records of future major flooding Only records where events defences have failed, or overtopped • Resource allocation problematic 3. Do nothing Cost Inadequate information provided to Planning Authorities

Agency contravention of Section 105 Water Resources Act 1991

30 FLOOD PROTECTION, DEVELOPMENT CONTROL AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT

Issue No 18: Endeavour to ensure that sea defences meet the Agency target standards, and that they are sustainable, over the anticipated life of the defences, where economically viable, structurally sustainable and environmentally acceptable

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITYADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Implement North Environment Integrated Cost Norfolk Shoreline Agency/ management of Management Plan Local Authorities/ defences May result in loss of MAFF some defended areas 2. Maintain existing Environment Cost Fragmented defences Agency approach to flood Maintain status quo defence needs 3. Do nothing except Environment Cost Deterioration in emergency response Agency defence standards

Risk of sudden inundation

31 FLOOD PROTECTION, DEVELOPMENT CONTROL AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT

Issue No 19: Concern over the impact of land-use on siltation, habitats and water quality

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Investigate and define Environment Strategic approach Cost and time the extent of the Agency to defining problem required problem in the river No standard methodologies 2. Identify major sources Environment Site specific Cost of surveys of silt entering rivers Agency and sites of erosion May be achieved May need to be in a short time done following storms 3. Identify possible Environment Strategic approach Costs solutions through Agency/ involves all liaison with land-use MAFF / responsible bodies May be difficult organisations ADAS / to reach concensus landowners, local NFU/ Scope for on best solutions authorities and C LA/ partnership developers LAs/ Developers 4. Continue to de-silt Environmenmt May be successful Does not address river channels, where Agency in limiting source of problem justified, and modify deposition the channel to Cost decrease silt deposition, through the maintenance programme

32 CONTROL OF RELEASES TO THE ENVIRONMENT ilssue No 20: Concern over contamination of groundwater in the vicinity of RAF Sculthorpe at the head of the River Burn

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Prevent further Environment Prevents situation Does not address * discharges from Agency/ from deteriorating historical problems soakaways MoD/ or contamination Land Agent 2. Monitor domestic Environment Ensure existing sources down gradient Agency/ supplies remain Environmental potable Health 3. Monitor observation Environment Progress of plume boreholes Agency monitored 4. Meet with Land agent MoD/ Remediation Costs may be to discuss and identify Land Agent/ measures identified excessive way forward Environment Agency 5. Do nothing Progress of plume not monitored

Issue No 21: Control of nitrate from agricultural sources

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Continue to monitor AWS/ Assess success of the water quality in Environment NVZ designation the borehole to assess Agency and compliance with effectiveness of EC Drinking Water designation Directive 2. Liaise with MAFF over MAFF/ Enforcement of Resistance from NVZ policing Environment policy farmers Agency 3. Do nothing Policy not enforced

Possible exceedences of EC Drinking Water Directive

Blending costs to AWS 33 CONTROL OF RELEASES TO THE ENVIRONMENT Issue No 22: Concern over flow to Burnham Market STW

OPTIONSRESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Determine existing AWS Correct data to Time taken to discharge volume from evaluate consent obtain data Burnham Market STW AWS able to carry Cost out remedial works 2. Re-evaluate discharge Environment Identify consent consent Agency required to meet long term river target 3. Negotiate with AWS Environment Ensure discharge May not meet long and apply a legal Agency/ meets legal term river target consent which ensures AWS standard and no deterioration prevents based on existing load deterioration of river 4. Set short term RE Environment Ensure compliance River will not meet target if legal consent Agency with target within long term targets is different from River planning horizon Needs consent and prevent deterioration

Minimum cost

Issue No 23: Potential for deterioration of river water quality, where present effluent quality is better than the current legal consent

OPTIONSRESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGES 1. Review target RE class Environment Ensure appropriate (see issue 3) Agency long term target 2. Review River Needs Environment Check if existing Moving targets Consents for Holt STW Agency RNC correct 3. Ensure that Environment Target river class is Target river class consideration is given Agency/ maintained through may deteriorate to imposing RNC in AWS cost effective the next asset investment management plan review (AMP3) 4. Do nothing Risk river target class failure will continue 34 CONTROL OF RELEASES TO THE ENVIRONMENT Issue No 24: Ensure there is control over development proposals for disused airfields with respect to the surface water drainage discharges

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Ensure that Agency Environment Control of receives consultation Agency/ development and over all proposed NNDC reduction of * developments on pollution risk disused airfield sites 2. Survey of existing uses Environment Defines problem Agency 3. Develop pollution Environment Improves existing prevention strategy Agency problem with airfield owners 4. Do nothing Continued risk of serious pollution

Issue No 25: Ensure that the necessary level of treatment for sewage discharges to coastal waters is provided at Cromer and Mundesley

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Ensure Environment Cost effective Cost to AWS "Comprehensive Agency approach to Studies" are ensuring that Reliance on short completed adequate treatment term model studies is provided 2. Carry out options as AWS Appropriate Possible cost to determined by treatment of AWS outcome of sewage effluents "Comprehensive Studies" 3. Ensure coastal Environment Meets monitoring Cost of effective monitoring is Agency/ requirements of coastal monitoring adequate to detect AWS Directive and any effects of plant ensures any adverse Possible long term nutrients effects are identified cost to AWS before next review 4. Do nothing Does not fulfil requirements of UWWTD Directive

35 CONTROL OF RELEASES TO THE ENVIRONMENT Issue No 26: Concern over the air quality around the Bacton gas terminals, and the capacity of the air environment to accept further industrial development in the area

OPTIONSRESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Encourage the Bacton Companies/ Consistent with Local population gas terminals to set-up Environment "the polluter pays" sceptical about an ambient air Agency principle monitoring monitoring system undertaken by the within the area Actual environment companies involved data collected 2. Environment Agency Environment Reassure local Cost benefit undertakes detailed Agency/ population monitoring study LA within the area in Actual co-operation with environmental data Local Authority collected 3. Do nothing extra, Companies/ Cost benefit Local population improvement already Environment not reassured required under Agency existing IPC No evidence from authorizations will ‘environmental reduce emission monitoring of improvement 4. Require fully detailed Applicant/ Reassure local Costs incurred by environmental Environment population single party who assessment before Agency may not contribute authorising further No cost to significantly to the development Environment Agency problem or existing industry

Issue No 27: Bacterial contamination of Wells Harbour

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Monitor bacterial Environment Obtain more data to Difficulty of contamination of Agency identify source locating source harbour 2. Provide facilities for Harbour Authority Improved water Cost disposal of sewage quality from vessels

36 CONTROL OF RELEASES TO THE ENVIRONMENT Issue No 28: Sewer overflows to the River Burn

The River Burn valley foul sewer serves the villages of South Creake, North Creake and Burnham Thorpe. It also conveys sewage from other hamlets in the catchment.

During prolonged wet periods surface water infiltration of the foul sewers arises, resulting in surcharging of the foul sewerage system. Dilute sewage then overflows from manholes and pumping stations, discharging to the river.

OPTIONS RESPONSIBILITY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Reduce infiltration to AWS Reduces frequency Cost sewer of overflow 2. Remove surface water AWS Reduces frequency Cost from foul sewer of overflow 3. Enlarge the sewer AWS Reduces frequency Cost, disruption of overflow and need to enlarge sewage works A. Undertake drainage Environment Optimises drainage Cost study of river Agency capacity 5. Do nothing Continuation of frequent sewer overflows

ABBREVIATIONS USED ADAS Agricultural Development Advisory NNDC North Norfolk District Council Service NVZ Nitrate Vulnerable Zones AMP3 Third Asset Management Plan R&tD Research & Development AWS Anglian Water Services RE River Ecosystem BGS British Geological Survey RFOs River Flow Objectives CLA Countryside Landowners Association RMF Residual Minimum Flow CWS County Wildlife Site RNC River Needs Consent DoE Department of the Environment SAC Special Area of Conservation EN English Nature SMPs Shoreline Management Plans EU European Union SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest IPC Integrated Pollution Control STW Sewage Treatment Works LAs Local Authorities UWWTD Urban Waste Water Treatment MAFF Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Directive Food WCOs Water Companies MoD Ministry of Defence WLMPs Water Level Management Plans NFU National Farmers Union WR Water Resources 37 MANAGEMENT AND CONTACTS: The Environment Agency delivers a service to its customers, with the emphasis on authority and accountability at the most local level possible. It aims to be cost- effective and efficient and to offer the best service and value for money.

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E n v ir o n m e n t Ag e n c y ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ANGLIAN REGION EASTERN AREA COBHAM ROAD IPSWICH SUFFOLK IP3 9JE YOUR VIEWS

The North Norfolk Local Environment Agency Plan Consultation Report is our review of the catchment and the issues facing it. Please send us your comments.

• Have we identified all the issues? If not please tell us

• What ideas do you have about the issues raised or the options stated?

• Please add any other comments you wish to make on this document and the future of the catchment

• How did you hear about this document and get to see it?

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i i Please complete and send to the Environment Agency (FREEPOST - see overleaf) i

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